Spotlight: Halyard’s H100 Sequential Sterilization Wraps
With how much is constantly going on in a medical practice at all times, there are definitely things that happen that you don’t think about. What goes on behind the scenes? How does everything
stay so clean? We sell and even show you many different devices all the time that are meant to clean medical instruments from patient to patient. They’re fast, thorough, and make sure that everything that goes in comes out cleaner than the last time. But what if these instruments don’t get used directly after a cycle? How do you keep them sterile? The answer is simple, and Halyard has a perfect example of just the item to do it. In fact, they’ve been using this wrap since 1978. Halyard’s Sequential Sterilization Wraps are available now, and we’d like to tell you all about them. And if you have any questions, you can call our Free Tech Support line, 704-966-1650, Option 3 for free technical support.
But let’s start by answering the most important question first.
What is Sterilization Wrap
Sterilization Wrap is a form of Sterilization Packaging System (SPS). This means that it’s a device that serves as a packaging material for items prior to, during and after sterilization. Rigid containers would be another example of SPS. Sterilization Wrap, however, is defined by Halyard as the following: “Sterilization wrap is a three-layer laminate composed of a layer of meltblown polypropylene bonded on both surfaces with a layer of spunbonded polypropylene. The sheets of sterilization wrap are square or rectangular fabric produced using a polypropylene three-layer SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) process.”
Sterilization Wrap is meant to maintain the sterility of the item or items enclosed inside of the wrap. Sterilization wrap works by allowing the sterilizing agent (e.g., steam, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide, gas, plasma, etc.) to penetrate and then providing a barrier to maintain sterility of the wrapped surgical instruments until they’re ready to be opened. And, Halyard’s Sequential Sterilization Wrap is made of recyclable material, #5 polypropylene.
What is Sequential Sterilization Wrap
To minimize microbial contamination of the instruments inside, hospitals initiated double sequential wrapping. The sequential wrap uses two sheets of the standard sterilization wrap, one wrapped after the other. This procedure creates a package within a package. Now, Halyard states that you CAN simultaneously double wrap your sequential wraps. But unlike the Quick Check, they do not come already double layered. So the Sequential Sterilization Wraps give you the freedom to choose whichever method you desire.
What Makes Halyard’s Sequential Sterilization Wraps So Good
Sterilization wrap is very important, seeing as it’s what keeps your instruments sterile until you need to use them. So that, in turn, means that you need the guarantee that it can do its job and do it right. Not only does Halyard’s Sequential Sterilization Wrap provides that guarantee, they have a variety of choices in thickness and size to fit the needs of your specific practice. And they’ve been at it since 1978. Here are a some things about Halyard’s Sequential Sterilization Wrap that you need to know:
- Industry standard for sterile processing teams around the world
- Tear-, flame-, lint- and abrasion-resistant
- POWERGUARD* technology for enhanced microbial barrier protection
- Pre-vacuum steam sterilant penetration
- Ethylene Oxide (EO) sterilant penetration and residuals
- Maintenance of package integrity (MPI) to meet FDA requirements
- Instructions for Use that meet FDA guidelines
- Class 1 flammability rating
- Low linting
- Made in the USA
Halyard’s Patented Daisy Design
The Sequential Sterilization Wraps even utilize Halyard’s patented Daisy Design pattern for optimized airflow. The ventilated areas of the wrap paper spread out in a pattern resembling that not unlike a daisy flower. The porosity allows for optimum airflow in and out of the packaging. And it’s engineered to optimize the surface area available for sterilant penetration and evacuation.
Strength and PowerGuard Technology
Halyard’s patented Powerguard technology guarantees your sterilization wrap has the highest achievable barrier measurable. A Superior Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) up to 99.9%. It provides optimal abrasion resistance. And it allows the wrap to resist penetration of bacteria and filter particles that carry bacteria.
Plus, O&M Halyard manufactures at a 45- degree angle, which creates a strong and balanced sheet of wrap in either direction it is challenged.
Lint-Resistant
In the list above, one of the bullets listed has “lint resistant.” But we’d like to briefly touch on why Halyard tells us that that one is important. Essentially, reducing lint in all preoperative practice settings reduces the risk of infection. This in turn improves patient outcomes on many fronts.
This is due to the fact that if left on some instruments that are used in operation, lint can get into the bloodstream. Mainly through a surgical wound and cause a whole host of health issues. Some of the most common issues reported from this are: blood clot formation; amplified inflammation; poor-quality wound healing; adhesions and band formation; granuloma formation; and increased incidence or severity of infections.
Size and Protection
Halyard’s Sequential Sterilization Wrap offers a variety of sizes for whatever you need. And usually they also come in different thicknesses from H100 to H600. The higher the number, the more protection you get from each wrap. But today, we’re focusing on the H100 variation, the thinnest of the bunch. The H100 can support a tray weight of 0-3 lbs. And they’re meant for use with light linen packs, linen gowns, towel packs, single basins and other lighter wrapping needs.
And they’re available for purchase in the following sizes:
Final Thoughts
Having the guarantee that even when your instruments aren’t in use, storing them securely and maintaining full sterility is extremely important. Halyard has been at this since the late 70’s so you know that with age comes wisdom. They’ve got it down to a science by this point. With their Sequential Sterilization Wraps, you can keep your instruments clean with a tray weight of up to 3 lbs. And their patented Powerguard technology means that nothing is getting in or out. Fire, tear, lint and abrasion resistant, and all made right here in the USA. There’s no doubt that Halyard knows what they’re doing, and their confidence is only backed by their incredible quality.
As always if you have any questions about this process or anything else please feel free to contact us and take advantage of our “FREE TECH SUPPORT.”
We also offer FREE VIRTUAL TECH SUPPORT to “See and Talk” with a “Real Time Live Technician” for any problems you may be in need of help with.
You can also use our “FREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM”. Take the guesswork and worrying about what unit is due for maintenance and which maintenance cycle it is time for. We will keep track of all your autoclaves and let you know when it’s time for anything.
You can check out Halyard’s Sequential Sterilization H100 Wraps here.